Simply Knitting 97 (September) is on sale now, celebrating all the things that make the tail end of summer so enticing.

This time of year has so much to recommend it – late bursts of sunshine, the leaves beginning to turn those glorious colours, and last but definitely not least, all the yarn companies starting to announce their Autumn/Winter ranges... which means there are tons of new yarns and patterns on their way!

This year we’ve seen a continuation of the trend for sparkly yarns, with glitter combined in the twist in King Cole’s new Glitz DK and subtle sheens like Sirdar’s new Softspun Chunky. We’ll all be sorted for Christmas party looks! 

Developing local yarns in natural fibres is also a strong theme, with Rowan introducing a Fine Boucle into their British Sheep Breeds range, and Bergère de France releasing Pur Mérinos Français, a yarn from a French Merino sheep breed.

We are so grateful to everyone who has knitted and donated to our ‘Bears & Squares’ campaign charity campaign for Refuge. At the time of writing we’ve raised nearly £1,000. It really is appreciated, so please keep it up. Turn to page 32 for a new square to knit and more news – we really do appreciate your support.

This issue comes with two free gifs. We wanted some extra long pins – and thought if we did, you would too! Use them to make the lovely things in your homes booklet.

Patterns in this issue include Jenny Watson’s pretty Merino wool hat and scarf set (p9), Sarah Hatton’s swing shape cabled cardi (p12), Rosee Woodland’s chic knitted dress for little girls (shown left, p21), and Rhian Drinkwater’s vivid Ripple socks – perfect for using up even the most complex of colourways!

Also in this issue you can get to know a knitting club in Downham Market, learn how one Simply Knitting reader is using her skills to help cats in Dublin, 

Watch out for Alan Dart’s feisty Little Red Riding Hood (p39), complete with stripy stockings and a basket of goodies. Our ‘Back To School’ collection (p54) will add some smiles to a potentially stressful time – especially if you decide to pass on some of your knitting skills to get them made! Simply Knitting 97 is on sale in shops until 04 September 2012

Up to six months after publication, this issue may be available to buy as a back issue by phoning our customer services people on 0844 848 2852, and you can also buy back issues of Simply Knitting online.

To make sure you don't miss a single issue, why not subscribe to Simply Knitting magazine? Our subscription gift this issue is a bumper 10 balls of Sidar Crofter Chunky yarn and an easy-to-knit cap-sleeved top pattern. It's yours when you subscribe to Simply Knitting – plus, you’ll save up to 32% off the shop price of the magazine. 

We also have a great subscription offer for overseas readers - try a 6-month subscription to Simply Knitting and start saving today!

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